B.C.'s aerospace advantageCastanet News B.C.Seventeen British Columbia companies and two regional airports are taking part in one of this region's premier aerospace conferences. "British Columbia is a leader in the aerospace industry with a geographic advantage. Our province offers the necessary intellectual and natural capital to compete in a 21st-century economy that relies significantly on emerging markets and opportunities," says Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour.

Zenair is introducing engine packages for the new Fuel-injected Rotax 912iS for its popular kit aircraft designs. A prototype installation by Skytec Aviation has helped define the packages which include a new engine mount, cowling, propeller, and accessories for the Light Sport STOL CH 750 design. Installation details are available through a new “how-to” video series. More.

From folksy to far-reaching: WestJet's growing ambitionThe Globe and MailAt the centre of WestJet Airlines's campus headquarters in Calgary, in the middle of a decorative fountain, sits a large spinning globe. It speaks volumes about the Canadian carrier's ambitions. WestJet continues its shift from its folksy, uncomplicated roots.

General aviation plane 2012 shipments up slightlyBusiness WeekThe General Aviation Manufacturers Association says shipments of general aviation airplanes last year were up slightly at the same time billings decreased a bit. The trade group reported Tuesday that 2,133 airplanes were delivered in 2012 for an increase of just point - 6 per cent.

Pentagon 'dumbs down' aviation tests for underperforming F-35RT.comAmerica's latest stealth fighter jet is too heavy and slow to pass performance tests. Instead of improving the aircraft, the Pentagon has decided to lower its expectations. Experts say the F-35 is more vulnerable than the jet it's replacing.
Simply put, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) doesn't go as fast, turn as sharply or handle as gracefully as it should. But instead of bringing in a team of aviation experts to fix the problem, the Pentagon has chosen to accept that the jet underperforms.

Russia considers solar power for planesPV MagazineRussia's Ministry of Industry and Trade (Minpromtorg) has ordered several studies into fuel alternatives for its civilian aircraft industry, including solar energy. Around $21 million has reportedly been earmarked for the research.

Plane crash tragedy hard on 'close-knit' WaskadaBrandon SunAn investigation is underway into the plane crash near Waskada that killed as many people as all the deadly flights in Manitoba last year. The wreckage was strewn over a large stretch of farmer's field in southwestern Manitoba, said Peter Hildebrand, regional manager with the Transportation Safety Board. RCMP confirmed today the 37 year-old pilot, his sons, ages nine and 10, and another nine-year-old boy died in the crash. While the RCMP have not identified the victims, residents said the victims were pilot Darren Spence and his sons Gage, 10, and Logan, 9, as well as another nine-year-old boy, Dawson Pentecost, who was a family friend.